Associated Press/San Bernardino Sun Publish Letter to the Editor by Ronald L. Kirkish on Alarming Situation with Santa Cruz Marijuana Laws and Related Crime

Lax marijuana laws do more harm than good

Source:  www.mapnews.com

In his May 12 column, John Weeks decided to take issue with fact that the city of San Bernardino has started to close up all the marijuana dispensaries since the recent California Supreme Court decision that allows cities to ban dispensaries.

I would like Mr. Weeks and readers to see and read the truth about the damage that marijuana does to a community.

Just over a month ago now, two Santa Cruz police detectives were murdered by a mentally deranged individual with a history of a long criminal record. Since these deaths, the Santa Cruz Sentinel has published several articles and an editorial exposing the truth that the city's liberal and progressive policies created a "beacon" drawing drug addicts, criminals, murders, robberies, homeless, and so much more. The statistics show that since Santa Cruz's liberalization of drug policy, its children's abuse of marijuana and other drugs far exceeds that of all other cities all across America.

The citizens of Santa Cruz have had enough and have formed a group named "Take Back Santa Cruz" to fight for their right for a safe and drug-free environment.

Santa Cruz was one of the first cities in America to allow the marijuana dispensaries to openly sell their product. It is also one of the first cities to create an ordinance making marijuana "the lowest of the low" crimes. It would do well for Mr. Weeks to do a little fact-checking into the suffering the city of Santa Cruz is now going through because of its elected officials' liberal policies on drugs. Let Santa Cruz be the model for why one should never to listen to those who would say otherwise.

-- Ronald L. Kirkish, Coalition for a Drug Free California advisory board member

Vincent Kituku: Idaho Lawmakers Take a Moral, Ethical Stand Against Legalizing Dangerous Drug

Everyone, I hope you enjoy this heartfelt story by my good friend Vincent Kituku published, May 19, 2013 - a wonderful storyteller and talented motivational speaker who now lives in Idaho. This article appeared in the Idaho Statesman on May 19, 2013. I highly recommend it.  Thank you Vincent.   US Attorney (Ret) Monte Stiles - Idaho

READER'S VIEW: MARIJUANA

By Vincent Kituku

Joseph is dead. Boniface is a beggar. They started taking marijuana in 1974 as freshmen in high school. They were not only my classmates, but blood and humanitarian relatives. We shared food, shared clothes, worked together and slept on the same makeshift bed.

We traveled the same path until marijuana led to the wasted lives of my best friends. It is heartbreaking for me to watch state after state succumbing to those who want permission to use marijuana for whatever purpose.

I commend Idaho legislators for taking a firm stand against legalizing marijuana. It is ironic that there are people who think increased use of marijuana would not lead to abuse of other drugs when numerous studies have shown it to be the case.

Uncle Joseph, my age mate, was the last born of my grandfather's children. Tall and a fast runner, he was a great boy to listen to as he entertained and educated others with uncommon wisdom. A day after I learned he had been initiated to manhood, I walked three miles, one way, to be initiated, too.

Boniface was an orphan, five years older than I. I met him at lunchtime on the day a teacher with permission from my father forced me to repeat sixth grade in 1972. Our lives would be inextricable forever. I took him to my parents, who fed, clothed and paid for his high school education.

The chapter of my life with those two boys is rarely, if at all, featured in my writing or speeches. Undeniable feelings of hopelessness and guilt still overcome me. I wonder what more I might have done to save my uncle and adopted brother from destroying their lives and in the process wrecking the lives and families of those who loved them.

The three of us were in seventh grade in 1973. They were admitted to separate high schools that were started by Catholic missionaries. I had three Cs - not good for a public high school with better education opportunities.

I don't know when they started taking marijuana. I learned they were in my sophomore year when my uncle started skipping school, sleeping too much and behaving strangely. When school closed, I noticed the same behavior with Boniface. Their grades and desire to have me in their company declined.

Joseph's marijuana use increased after his father died in 1976. A year later, drugs controlled his life. He skipped some final high school exams and started undressing in public. He became homeless, with nothing to show for his promising academic and physical abilities.

Boniface's downfall was more gradual, but not better. He was recruited by the Kenya army and sent to Britain for training as a captain after graduating from high school. By the time he returned to Kenya, he was different. He got into fights and started talking back to my father - unheard of in my father's home. He married a prostitute with whom he changed our home - they fought with fists and chairs.

I was present in 1982 when that boy dishonored, in the presence of elders, the man who had fed, clothed and educated him - and I can say treated and favored him more than I because of his academic abilities. His soft voice endeared him to my family until marijuana pulled him away.

His wife and several children died young. He became a beggar. Marijuana is a proven destroyer of lives, families and communities.

Vincent Kituku is an author, speaker and founder of Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope. He can be reached at Vincent@kituku.com or by calling 376-8724.

Source:  http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/05/19/2582175/idaho-lawmakers-take-a-moral-ethical.html

Welcome to the official launch of "The Truth, Nothing but the Truth" by Ronald L. Kirkish

Dear Reader,

One of our greatest Presidents, Harry S. Truman, while campaigning across the country, was told by the crowd “give em’ hell Harry!”  and in response Harry yelled back, “I just speak the truth and they think it’s hell!”  In this manner, I hope to follow in his footsteps.   

This is the first of many comments that I intend to offer that will provide the readers with ‘The Truth, the Whole Truth’ to the citizens across America and hopefully the world to inform you about issues surrounding marijuana and drug abuse overall.

I would like to thank my wonderful friend, Ms. Alex Datig, of NIPITINTHEBUD for all of her time and energy that she has put in to help me create this blog.  Without, her tireless energy and passion I would never have been able to even contemplate performing this very important task.  She will always be appreciated and forever, my drug warrior buddy!  Thank you Alex!

To my mentor, Dr. Paul Chabot, I would also like to express my appreciation for your support and encouragement in taking on this daunting task.  But, I know that with your help, we will be able to change the world as it is today and put the ‘Evil Genie of Drug Abuse’ back in the bottle where it belongs.

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge my mentor and friend of many years now, Ex-Gilroy City Councilman Mr. Paul Kloecker.  From the beginning Councilman Kloecker has helped me more than he will ever know.  He has been a tough mentor at times, taking me to the “woodshed” when I incorrectly use apostrophes (really upsets him, a lot!).  But most of all, he has given me very sound advice that I will forever appreciate and hopefully, never forget because I know that if I do forget, I will immediately get a phone call or email with some very harsh criticism; a truly growing experience!  You have truly been a great friend and mentor, Paul.

To the readers,  I hope that you will enjoy reading this blog and consider sharing it with others including your friends, family members, neighbors, fellow work mates, members of your clergy, elected leaders in your cities, towns, and officials of your states, across America.

Ronald L. Kirkish

Coalition for A Drug  Free California  - CDFC, Dr. Paul Chabot

NIPITINTHEBUD – Alexandra Datig

International Faith Based Coalition – IFBC – Bishop Ron Allen, Ph.D

Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana – CALM – Carla Lowe & Scott Chipman